Star recruit Trent Hodkinson has been named co-captain of Newcastle alongside hard men Jeremy Smith and Tariq Sims.
The trio has been appointed to take over the leadership for the 2016 NRL season following the departure of long-term skipper Kurt Gidley.
Despite having not pulled on the Knights’ jersey in a NRL season game, Hodkinson was appointed to the role.
With Newcastle fielding a mostly inexperienced squad, coach Nathan Brown handed the honour to Hodkinson due to his big-game experience.
After debuting with Manly in 2010, he moved to Canterbury the following year and played in their 2014 grand-final loss to Melbourne.
He also helped NSW to break their eight-year State of Origin series drought in 2014 and is considered a cornerstone of the Knights’ revival under Brown.
“He is very calm and well measured and can control the team on the field,” Brown said.
“He’s an Origin player and played in grand finals and is a good mentor for the younger players.”
Hodkinson’s halves partner Jarrod Mullen was the front-runner for the captaincy, however his aspirations were ruined after falling foul of Brown for drinking while injured before the Christmas break.
Sims was given the honour despite the fact he will miss the first five weeks due to a suspension for a shoulder charge on James Segeyaro in last year’s final round.
Dutski
Roar Guru
You mean sims suspended, Hopkinson injured and smith captain? That's sure to happen at some point this season.
MAX
Guest
Nathan is wisely providing for the inevitable.
Renegade
Roar Guru
They might have more captains than wins by the end of the year...
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
pjm I'm with you , this getting to be farken rediculous....it can't be long before we have 17 "co-captains" on the field.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
It's the way kids are brought up these days. Everyone wins a prize.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Fark me First it was two vice captains. Then two Captains. Now three farking captains.